267. Mount Veeder Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 1997

Was really pleased to see this on sale in Berry Bros’ Dublin shop, having enjoyed the ’96 so much, and having heard that ’97 was a pretty good Napa Cabernet vintage. I wasn’t disappointed – this is a wine for drinking not just “tasting”. Deep black-garnet core, with a medium garnet rim hinting at early maturity. Intense black ?dried? fruit nose, but creamy and laced with vanilla. Also secondary developments of cocoa and a hint of polished wood. Full-flavour, full-bodied and well-balanced palate, that really suggested “à point” in 2006. Creamy sweet fruit flavour with good but not over-done structure. Pretty long finish of vanilla and spice. A very nice, easy-drinking wine!